In an eight-day window over the past two weeks, the Midland Police Department's SWAT team has been called out four times to assist in executing search warrants and standoffs -- almost double the average calls it receives each month, said officials.

"It is unusual in that short period of time, but it comes in cycles," said Lt. Seth Herman, head over the SWAT team.

Each year, the department sends out the SWAT unit about 30 times -- mostly for hazardous warrant searches and to assist with a barricaded armed subject or subjects; other calls include hostage situations and protective details.

While some incidents might last less than two hours and some may take up to 12 hours, the average call is around four hours and costs the department roughly $19,500, said MPD Deputy Chief Jeff Darr.

That rough estimate factors in the costs of manpower -- including officers on duty and those who have to be called in on overtime -- training costs, equipment and ammunition. Other costs, such as utilities for cutting electricity and the city streets department in assisting with barricades and vehicles were not factored into that estimate, Darr said.

It usually begins with a phone call into 911. Sometimes it's a domestic disturbance with weapons taking place; other times its a tip that a wanted suspect is at a certain location.

When the first few patrol officers arrive on scene, they take an evaluation to see if they need the tactical unit. A supervisor will work through an analysis sheet and the stipulations depending on the individual or situation: Is there a gang affiliation? Does the subject in question have weapons or explosives in his or her possession? Have they barricaded themselves in and taken hostages?

Then, if needed, the decision will be made to call out the unit. A full call out -- snipers, negotiators and two ground entry teams -- will result in about 30 officers responding to the scene in half an hour.

"If they try to arrest someone, sometimes it's safer to do with SWAT personnel," Herman said. "SWAT does things as a team. It's not any one individual effort."

The unit will set up a central command center upon arrival. Patrol officers will work to obtain information, clear nearby residences and block off streets.

"One way to think of the SWAT unit is as a support unit to patrol, detectives or a narcotic operation," Darr said. With the incident at the East Wall Towers on July 8, Darr said the unit was "just there to render the situation safe."

And all incidents, whether they turn out not to be dangerous to the community, are all considered high-risk because of the initial nature of the call. That's why sending out the SWAT unit can be so important in protecting the community, authorities said.

"As tactical, we're trained with the worst case scenario. We can de-escalate it from there but we can never bring it back," Herman said.

There's currently four open spots on the team, but they're not easy to fill. To become a SWAT officer, one has to have been with the department for at least two years. The detailed background check involves looking over one's personnel record, shooting capabilities and physical fitness evaluations along with a recommendation from a supervisor. Once an officer is cleared to apply, the actual evaluation can take a full day with rigorous physical and firearms testing and an interview before the entire team.

"You're actually selected by the team. If you don't pass, you don't make it onto the team. It's very difficult and probably one of the hardest in the department," Herman said. "Most have to try out multiple times."

The position on the unit is voluntary and officers aren't paid extra for their work with SWAT. Along with annual physicals with the MPD, team members also have to pass two physical fitness tests.

Members are constantly re-evaluated, and, if an individual falls below the standards set by the unit, they can be removed from the team.

"The standards are higher than the initial tryout. You're expected to progress and reach a certain level," Herman said.

Still the desire to be a part of the group is one of the main reasons officers apply and want to be a part of it.

"During the interview process, the answers are pretty consistent. They were to be a member of one of the most highly trained, highly motivated teams," Herman said. "They're wanting to always be there when bad things happen.

"SWAT officers are some of the most highly motivated officers in the department, because of the fact that it's all volunteer and hard work and they're making that commitment."

Darr agreed and said the comradery among the team is one of the biggest factors in the desire of an officer wanting to join the unit.

"They love what they do and like helping people," he said.

SWAT officers train twice a month in a 12-hour long day; one week each year is also designated for training. Their course work includes training in rescue and vehicle assaults along with markmanship, entry work and protection detail.

However, each job on the team is unique. There are six snipers, including a supervisor, who must be cross-trained in every area of the unit. To become a sniper, an officer must have been a SWAT member for two years and then go through another tryout process.

The negotiators are their own team of 10 with a lieutenant overseeing. The group trains on their own with one or two members role playing through dialogue and deployment equipment to see what may set someone off or what may calm someone down, authorities said. Each negotiator also must be certified through a 40-hour statewide school and some attend conferences and advance schooling to maintain their credentials.

And because of the high stakes and dangers of the positions, the MPD says they spend more money training SWAT officers more than anyone else in the department. An estimated 3 percent of the MPD's yearly budget is designated for the unit.

"It's a high-risk business. We try to prepare for every situation but when dealing with human beings, that's impossible to do," Darr said. "We want them to be the best they can be to make our community safer."